Published Fri, Mar 18th 2016
ISG is to deliver the British Antarctic Survey’s £3.4 million Aurora Cambridge Innovation Centre at the organisation’s headquarters in Cambridge.
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The new Aurora Cambridge Innovation Centre is funded by UK Government through the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) with support from Cambridge University, and is a research-led organisation that seeks to be a world-leader in polar science and operations – encouraging global collaboration in the field. The new centre is a joint venture between British Antarctic Survey (BAS), NERC and Cambridge University, and is the first scheme to be commissioned in a wider development masterplan for the university’s west campus.
The Aurora Cambridge Innovation Centre will enable BAS to further promote research and entrepreneurial activity into climate change, environmental stewardship and technologies for challenging environments. The scheme includes the refurbishment of the organisation’s existing building and the construction of a new 5,400 sq ft two-storey extension, with an eye-catching hexagonal glazed cladding system referencing the molecular structure of ice.
ISG will create a 50-seat lecture theatre, two 40-seat seminar rooms and four meeting rooms on the first floor of the glass-fronted extension, with a new library and reception area at ground floor level. The centre will also offer a 32-desk, open plan collaboration area, providing work and study space for those with an interest in the organisation’s environmental research.
The company will upgrade the building’s mechanical and electrical services infrastructure, as well as existing welfare amenities and improve circulation areas, including the construction of a new staircase. Externally, ISG will carry out landscaping and planting works, including the provision of a green sedum roof.
Liam Duffy, ISG’s regional director – East, commented: “Climate change and environmental challenges are amongst the most urgent issues facing the scientific community, and the work we are carrying out for NERC at the BAS headquarters in Cambridge will make a significant contribution to research and collaboration. The scheme has been designed to offer flexible and multi-functional spaces that foster close working and knowledge sharing and we are delighted to add this win to our growing portfolio of leading-edge scientific and research projects across the UK.”
